KINGSTON — The Ulster County Public Defender's Office thinks accused murderer David Reese doesn't meet the criteria to have public counsel, an assistant public defender said Thursday morning in County Court.

BY JAMES NANI

KINGSTON — The Ulster County Public Defender's Office thinks accused murderer David Reese doesn't meet the criteria to have public counsel, an assistant public defender said Thursday morning in County Court.

Reese, 53, appeared in front of Ulster County Court Judge Don Williams Thursday morning for his arraignment, with Assistant Public Defender Mariann Connolly at his side. She pleaded not guilty on his behalf.

Reese, who is from Gilboa, was indicted by a grand jury this month, charged with second-degree murder, a felony. He's accused by Kingston police of walking into his job of 16 years at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's Smith Avenue headquarters on Feb. 3 and shooting dead co-worker Aron Thomas, 33, of Olivebridge.

Connolly told Williams that although her office hadn't received all of the documents about Reese's assets, such as those having to do with his city pension and military service, they didn't think he met criteria to get free counsel.

"We have determined that we do not believe that he is eligible for our services," Connolly said.

But Reese told Williams that he wants to continue being represented by the Public Defender's Office. When asked, Reese told Williams that he made $96,000 a year as a mechanical and electrical technician for the DEP before he was suspended.

Pressed on his assets by Williams, Reese said his Gilboa home where he lives with his wife and two children was worth $250,000 but it was in his wife's name. He said he only had a few thousand dollars in his savings account before he was arrested and it was being used by his family.

When asked about his salary, Reese said he only made the $96,000 a year for "a couple of years," after he received a $46,000 promotion from the DEP. Williams seemed surprised.

"Perhaps I should put an application in," Williams joked.

"There's a vacant spot, sir," Reese remarked.

"Yes, there is. There are two vacant spots," Williams answered back, referring to Thomas' death.

Last month, DEP Police Lt. Justin Kight testified in a Kingston courtroom that on the morning of the shooting, Reese appeared at his office, gave up his gun to him and told him that Thomas had been stalking him and that he "shot Aron twice."

A hearing has been scheduled for April to come to a final determination about Reese's counsel. Williams said that even if Reese continues with public counsel, he could order him to pay back the county if documents show he can afford it.

Reese was sent back to Ulster County Jail without bail, though Connolly said she would be drawing up papers to get him bail.

"One way or another you're going to get competent counsel to represent you," Williams said. "But not free if you can pay."